What to Expect Before, During, and After Hernia Surgery

A hernia is a protrusion caused by organs or tissue pushing through an aperture or weak area in the adjacent muscle walls. Most hernias develop in the abdominal wall or groin area.

Hernias can develop and cause pain over time. Physical exercise, coughing, sneezing, or standing up may cause discomfort or worsen pain.

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your hernia causes pain or interferes with your regular activities.

Before

Your doctor will perform a physical examination. You may need testing to determine whether you are healthy for surgery and anesthesia.

Your surgeon's office will email instructions to help you prepare for hernia surgery.

Read these at least a day before the procedure:

• Suppose you can take certain medications on the morning of hernia surgery; if possible, consume them solely with a sip of water. Inform your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take so they can advise you on which ones to discontinue.
• When should you stop eating and drinking the day before your surgery?
• When to quit smoking if you smoke, smoking increases the likelihood of your hernia repair failing and becoming infected following surgery. To boost your chances of success, your surgeon may ask you to stop smoking four to six weeks before your operation.
• When to shower and whether to use antibiotic soap.

During hernia surgery

To begin the procedure, you will be sedated so that you do not experience pain during the hernia surgery.

To fix your hernia, your surgeon will:

• Push the protruding tissue or organ back into its proper position.
• Repair the weak area or opening in your muscle.
• In certain circumstances, surgical mesh can reinforce and hide the hernia defect.

Hernias can be repaired using either open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) surgery.

The type and extent of your hernia and any risk factors from other health concerns will determine the best option for you.

With either option, the hernia may return.

Open hernia surgery

Larger hernias typically necessitate open surgery.

Your surgeon makes a single extended cut in your groin or abdomen to inspect and fix your hernia.

You'll know ahead of time if a surgical mesh is required. The mesh prevents hernias from forming again in the exact location.

Minimally invasive hernia surgery
Your surgeon will make many minor cuts in your abdomen to insert:

• A tiny camera inside a hollow tube through one cut to see your hernia.
• Special tools that will go through other tubes and make cuts to repair your hernia.

After surgery

Some hernia surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day. However, if you have complications or your hernia is significant, you may need to be admitted to the hospital.

Both types of surgery may cause pain or soreness for the first 72 hours after that. If your hernia is tiny or in the groin, you may usually treat it with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The majority of people have less pain following minimally invasive hernia surgery than after open surgery.

What to expect following hernia surgery varies depending on the procedure utilized by your surgeon.

Before you leave, your care team will teach you how to care for your incision and yourself following hernia surgery.

For bigger hernias, you may need a tiny drainage tube for a short time following surgery.

Hernia surgery recovery

The recovery time in each person is unique.
How long it takes you to recuperate after hernia surgery depends on factors such as:

• The size of your hernia.
• The type of hernia surgery you’ve had. Most patients recover faster from minimally invasive surgery than from open hernia surgery.
• Your age and general health.

Your surgeon will give precise post-operative instructions and let you know when you can resume vigorous exercise or activity.

You will likely be able to resume light exercise in the days after the operation.

Your surgeon will also inform you when they want to see you again to ensure you are healing appropriately. Make sure to schedule a follow-up within that timeframe.